| Date | November 2019 | Marks available | 2 | Reference code | 19N.1.BP.TZ0.1 |
| Level | Both SL and HL | Paper | Paper 1 - first exams 2017 | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | What | Question number | 1 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
The sources and questions relate to case study 1: Genghis Khan (c1200–1227) — Impact: Political impact: administration; overthrowing of existing ruling systems; establishment of Mongol law/Yassa; move towards meritocracy.
Source B
A detail from a Persian manuscript depicting Genghis Khan and his wife seated on a throne in a tent that is surrounded by horses and camels (15th century).
[Source: DEA / M. SEEMULLER / Getty Images]
Source A
David O Morgan, a university professor of Mongol history writing in the academic paper “The ‘Great Yassa of Chingiz [Genghis] Khan’ and Mongol Law in the Ilkhanate” for the Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies (1986).
Let me first of all outline the view that is usually taken of the Yassa. At some time during his reign and probably at the quriltai [council] of 1206, Chingiz [Genghis] Khan instituted a code of laws which were to be binding on his people and their descendants for ever. This was a codification of the ancestral traditions, customs, laws and ideas of the Mongols, to which Chingiz Khan added further laws of his own devising. Copies of this great code, the Yassa, were kept in the treasuries of the Mongol princes for consultation as need arose. No complete copy has survived, but it is possible to assemble “fragments” of the code from various sources, and by careful study of these fragments the general pattern of the Yassa can be recovered.
[Source: David O. Morgan, ‘The “Great Yāsā of Chingiz Khān” and Mongol law in the Īlkhānate’,
Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, 49 (1), 163–176, reproduced with permission]
What, according to Source A, was the Yassa?
What does Source B suggest about Genghis Khan’s administration?
Markscheme
- The Yassa was a code of law.
- It was intended to be binding on Genghis Khan’s people and their descendants.
- It included old traditions, customs, laws and ideas of the Mongols.
- It consisted of laws of Genghis Khan’s own devising.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. It is neither prescriptive nor exhaustive and no set answer is required. Award [1] for each relevant point up to a maximum of [3].
- Genghis Khan was central to Mongol administration.
- In his presence, other Mongols were respectful and submissive.
- Genghis Khan was an itinerant ruler travelling from place to place with his wife.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. It is neither prescriptive nor exhaustive and no set answer is required. Award [1] for each relevant point up to a maximum of [2].
